how to write an abstract for science research paper

Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper

Definition and Purpose of Abstracts

An abstract is a short summary of your (published or unpublished) research paper, usually about a paragraph (c. 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words) long. A well-written abstract serves multiple purposes:

• an abstract lets readers get the gist or essence of your paper or article quickly, in order to decide whether to read the full paper;
• an abstract prepares readers to follow the detailed information, analyses, and arguments in your full paper;
• and, later, an abstract helps readers remember key points from your paper.

It’s also worth remembering that search engines and bibliographic databases use abstracts, as well as the title, to identify key terms for indexing your published paper. So what you include in your abstract and in your title are crucial for helping other researchers find your paper or article.

If you are writing an abstract for a course paper, your professor may give you specific guidelines for what to include and how to organize your abstract. Similarly, academic journals often have specific requirements for abstracts. So in addition to following the advice on this page, you should be sure to look for and follow any guidelines from the course or journal you’re writing for.

The Contents of an Abstract

Abstracts contain most of the following kinds of information in brief form. The body of your paper will, of course, develop and explain these ideas much more fully. As you will see in the samples below, the proportion of your abstract that you devote to each kind of information—and the sequence of that information—will vary, depending on the nature and genre of the paper that you are summarizing in your abstract. And in some cases, some of this information is implied, rather than stated explicitly. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , which is widely used in the social sciences, gives specific guidelines for what to include in the abstract for different kinds of papers—for empirical studies, literature reviews or meta-analyses, theoretical papers, methodological papers, and case studies.

Here are the typical kinds of information found in most abstracts:

• the context or background information for your research; the general topic under study; the specific topic of your research
• the central questions or statement of the problem your research addresses
• what’s already known about this question, what previous research has done or shown
• the main reason(s) , the exigency, the rationale , the goals for your research—Why is it important to address these questions? Are you, for example, examining a new topic? Why is that topic worth examining? Are you filling a gap in previous research? Applying new methods to take a fresh look at existing ideas or data? Resolving a dispute within the literature in your field? . . .
• your research and/or analytical methods
• your main findings , results , or arguments
• the significance or implications of your findings or arguments.

Your abstract should be intelligible on its own, without a reader’s having to read your entire paper. And in an abstract, you usually do not cite references—most of your abstract will describe what you have studied in your research and what you have found and what you argue in your paper. In the body of your paper, you will cite the specific literature that informs your research.

When to Write Your Abstract

Although you might be tempted to write your abstract first because it will appear as the very first part of your paper, it’s a good idea to wait to write your abstract until after you’ve drafted your full paper, so that you know what you’re summarizing.

What follows are some sample abstracts in published papers or articles, all written by faculty at UW-Madison who come from a variety of disciplines. We have annotated these samples to help you see the work that these authors are doing within their abstracts.

Choosing Verb Tenses within Your Abstract

The social science sample (Sample 1) below uses the present tense to describe general facts and interpretations that have been and are currently true, including the prevailing explanation for the social phenomenon under study. That abstract also uses the present tense to describe the methods, the findings, the arguments, and the implications of the findings from their new research study. The authors use the past tense to describe previous research.

The humanities sample (Sample 2) below uses the past tense to describe completed events in the past (the texts created in the pulp fiction industry in the 1970s and 80s) and uses the present tense to describe what is happening in those texts, to explain the significance or meaning of those texts, and to describe the arguments presented in the article.

The science samples (Samples 3 and 4) below use the past tense to describe what previous research studies have done and the research the authors have conducted, the methods they have followed, and what they have found. In their rationale or justification for their research (what remains to be done), they use the present tense. They also use the present tense to introduce their study (in Sample 3, “Here we report . . .”) and to explain the significance of their study (In Sample 3, This reprogramming . . . “provides a scalable cell source for. . .”).

Sample Abstract 1

From the social sciences.

Reporting new findings about the reasons for increasing economic homogamy among spouses

Gonalons-Pons, Pilar, and Christine R. Schwartz. “Trends in Economic Homogamy: Changes in Assortative Mating or the Division of Labor in Marriage?” Demography , vol. 54, no. 3, 2017, pp. 985-1005.

Sample Abstract 2

From the humanities.

Analyzing underground pulp fiction publications in Tanzania, this article makes an argument about the cultural significance of those publications

Emily Callaci. “Street Textuality: Socialism, Masculinity, and Urban Belonging in Tanzania’s Pulp Fiction Publishing Industry, 1975-1985.” Comparative Studies in Society and History , vol. 59, no. 1, 2017, pp. 183-210.

Sample Abstract/Summary 3

From the sciences.

Reporting a new method for reprogramming adult mouse fibroblasts into induced cardiac progenitor cells

Lalit, Pratik A., Max R. Salick, Daryl O. Nelson, Jayne M. Squirrell, Christina M. Shafer, Neel G. Patel, Imaan Saeed, Eric G. Schmuck, Yogananda S. Markandeya, Rachel Wong, Martin R. Lea, Kevin W. Eliceiri, Timothy A. Hacker, Wendy C. Crone, Michael Kyba, Daniel J. Garry, Ron Stewart, James A. Thomson, Karen M. Downs, Gary E. Lyons, and Timothy J. Kamp. “Lineage Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Proliferative Induced Cardiac Progenitor Cells by Defined Factors.” Cell Stem Cell , vol. 18, 2016, pp. 354-367.

Sample Abstract 4, a Structured Abstract

Reporting results about the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in managing acute bacterial sinusitis, from a rigorously controlled study

Note: This journal requires authors to organize their abstract into four specific sections, with strict word limits. Because the headings for this structured abstract are self-explanatory, we have chosen not to add annotations to this sample abstract.

Wald, Ellen R., David Nash, and Jens Eickhoff. “Effectiveness of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Children.” Pediatrics , vol. 124, no. 1, 2009, pp. 9-15.

“OBJECTIVE: The role of antibiotic therapy in managing acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in children is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of high-dose amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate in the treatment of children diagnosed with ABS.

METHODS : This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Children 1 to 10 years of age with a clinical presentation compatible with ABS were eligible for participation. Patients were stratified according to age (<6 or ≥6 years) and clinical severity and randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin (90 mg/kg) with potassium clavulanate (6.4 mg/kg) or placebo. A symptom survey was performed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, and 30. Patients were examined on day 14. Children’s conditions were rated as cured, improved, or failed according to scoring rules.

RESULTS: Two thousand one hundred thirty-five children with respiratory complaints were screened for enrollment; 139 (6.5%) had ABS. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled, and 56 were randomly assigned. The mean age was 6630 months. Fifty (89%) patients presented with persistent symptoms, and 6 (11%) presented with nonpersistent symptoms. In 24 (43%) children, the illness was classified as mild, whereas in the remaining 32 (57%) children it was severe. Of the 28 children who received the antibiotic, 14 (50%) were cured, 4 (14%) were improved, 4(14%) experienced treatment failure, and 6 (21%) withdrew. Of the 28children who received placebo, 4 (14%) were cured, 5 (18%) improved, and 19 (68%) experienced treatment failure. Children receiving the antibiotic were more likely to be cured (50% vs 14%) and less likely to have treatment failure (14% vs 68%) than children receiving the placebo.

CONCLUSIONS : ABS is a common complication of viral upper respiratory infections. Amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate results in significantly more cures and fewer failures than placebo, according to parental report of time to resolution.” (9)

Some Excellent Advice about Writing Abstracts for Basic Science Research Papers, by Professor Adriano Aguzzi from the Institute of Neuropathology at the University of Zurich:

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If you're preparing a research paper or grant proposal, you'll need to know how to write an abstract. Here's a look at what an abstract is and how to write one.

An abstract is a concise summary of an experiment or research project. It should be brief -- typically under 200 words. The purpose of the abstract is to summarize the research paper by stating the purpose of the research, the experimental method, the findings, and the conclusions.

How to Write an Abstract

The format you'll use for the abstract depends on its purpose. If you're writing for a specific publication or a class assignment, you'll probably need to follow specific guidelines. If there isn't a required format, you'll need to choose from one of two possible types of abstracts.

Informational Abstracts

An informational abstract is a type of abstract used to communicate an experiment or lab report .

• An informational abstract is like a mini-paper. Its length ranges from a paragraph to 1 to 2 pages, depending on the scope of the report. Aim for less than 10% the length of the full report.
• Summarize all aspects of the report, including purpose, method, results, conclusions, and recommendations. There are no graphs, charts, tables, or images in an abstract. Similarly, an abstract does not include a bibliography or references.
• Highlight important discoveries or anomalies. It's okay if the experiment did not go as planned and necessary to state the outcome in the abstract.

Here is a good format to follow, in order, when writing an informational abstract. Each section is a sentence or two long:

• Motivation or Purpose: State why the subject is important or why anyone should care about the experiment and its results.
• Problem: State the hypothesis of the experiment or describe the problem you are trying to solve.
• Method: How did you test the hypothesis or try to solve the problem?
• Results: What was the outcome of the study? Did you support or reject a hypothesis? Did you solve a problem? How close were the results to what you expected? State-specific numbers.
• Conclusions: What is the significance of your findings? Do the results lead to an increase in knowledge, a solution that may be applied to other problems, etc.?

Need examples? The abstracts at PubMed.gov (National Institutes of Health database) are informational abstracts. A random example is this abstract on the effect of coffee consumption on Acute Coronary Syndrome .

Descriptive Abstracts

A descriptive abstract is an extremely brief description of the contents of a report. Its purpose is to tell the reader what to expect from the full paper.

• A descriptive abstract is very short, typically less than 100 words.
• Tells the reader what the report contains, but doesn't go into detail.
• It briefly summarizes the purpose and experimental method, but not the results or conclusions. Basically, say why and how the study was made, but don't go into findings. 

Tips for Writing a Good Abstract

• Write the paper before writing the abstract. You might be tempted to start with the abstract since it comes between the title page and the paper, but it's much easier to summarize a paper or report after it has been completed.
• Write in the third person. Replace phrases like "I found" or "we examined" with phrases like "it was determined" or "this paper provides" or "the investigators found".
• Write the abstract and then pare it down to meet the word limit. In some cases, a long abstract will result in automatic rejection for publication or a grade!
• Think of keywords and phrases a person looking for your work might use or enter into a search engine. Include those words in your abstract. Even if the paper won't be published, this is a good habit to develop.
• All information in the abstract must be covered in the body of the paper. Don't put a fact in the abstract that isn't described in the report.
• Proof-read the abstract for typos, spelling mistakes, and punctuation errors.
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Home » Research Paper Abstract – Writing Guide and Examples

Research Paper Abstract – Writing Guide and Examples

Table of Contents

The abstract of a research paper is a concise summary that provides an overview of the study’s purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions. Positioned at the beginning of the paper, the abstract serves as the first impression for readers, helping them quickly decide whether the research is relevant to their interests. Writing an effective abstract requires clarity, precision, and an understanding of the study’s key points.

This guide explores the purpose of a research abstract, offers a step-by-step writing process, and provides practical examples to illustrate best practices.

Research Paper Abstract

An abstract is a brief summary of a research paper that typically ranges from 150 to 300 words. It succinctly describes the key components of the study, including its objectives, methods, findings, and implications.

Key Characteristics of an Abstract:

• Concise: Provides a complete overview within a limited word count.
• Self-Contained: Can be understood independently of the full paper.
• Structured or Unstructured: May follow specific sections (structured) or flow as a single paragraph (unstructured).

Example: An abstract for a study on the effects of exercise on mental health might summarize the research question, methods used, results indicating reduced anxiety levels, and implications for mental health interventions.

Purpose of a Research Abstract

• Attracts Readers: Helps potential readers quickly determine the relevance of the study.
• Facilitates Indexing: Allows easy discovery in databases and search engines.
• Provides Overview: Summarizes the key elements of the research for quick understanding.
• Enhances Accessibility: Serves as a standalone summary for those unable to access the full paper.

Types of Abstracts

1. descriptive abstract.

• Focuses on the purpose and scope of the research without detailed results.
• Example: Common in humanities and theoretical studies.

2. Informative Abstract

• Includes key details about methods, findings, and conclusions.
• Example: Widely used in scientific and technical research papers.

3. Critical Abstract

• Evaluates the study’s validity and reliability along with summarizing it.
• Example: Used in advanced reviews or critique papers.

4. Highlight Abstract

• Focuses on intriguing or unique aspects of the study to attract attention.
• Example: Found in conference proceedings or promotional materials.

How to Write a Research Paper Abstract

Step 1: understand the requirements.

• Review the target journal or institution’s guidelines for abstract length, format, and style.

Step 2: Identify Key Elements

• Background: What is the research about?
• Objective: What is the purpose or main question of the study?
• Methods: How was the research conducted?
• Results: What were the significant findings?
• Conclusion: What is the study’s implication or contribution?

Step 3: Write a Draft

• Create a rough draft summarizing each section of the paper.

Step 4: Refine for Clarity and Precision

• Use concise language to eliminate redundancy. Avoid technical jargon unless necessary.

Step 5: Verify Accuracy

• Ensure all details in the abstract accurately reflect the content of the paper.

Step 6: Edit for Style and Grammar

• Proofread to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to formatting requirements.

Best Practices for Writing an Abstract

• Write the Abstract Last: Compose the abstract after completing the full paper to ensure it captures all key points.
• Focus on Clarity: Avoid vague language or overly complex sentences.
• Use Keywords: Include relevant terms to improve discoverability in databases.
• Avoid References: Abstracts should be standalone and not rely on citations.
• Maintain Objectivity: Present findings neutrally without exaggeration.

Examples of Research Paper Abstracts

Example 1: scientific research.

Title: The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Anxiety Levels Among College Students Abstract: This study examines the impact of aerobic exercise on anxiety levels among college students. A total of 150 participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise or a control group. Participants in the exercise group engaged in 30-minute aerobic sessions thrice weekly for eight weeks. Anxiety levels were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory before and after the intervention. Results indicated a significant reduction in anxiety scores among the exercise group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that aerobic exercise may serve as an effective intervention for anxiety management.

Example 2: Social Sciences Research

Title: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Opinions Among Young Adults Abstract: This research investigates the influence of social media platforms on the political opinions of young adults aged 18–30. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted surveys (n = 500) and in-depth interviews (n = 20) to explore participants’ exposure to political content online. Findings revealed that 62% of respondents reported significant shifts in their political views due to social media interactions. Qualitative analysis highlighted the role of algorithm-driven content in reinforcing political biases. The study underscores the importance of critical digital literacy in mitigating the impact of social media on political polarization.

Example 3: Engineering Research

Title: Optimization of Solar Panel Efficiency Through Material Engineering Abstract: This paper explores advanced material engineering techniques to enhance solar panel efficiency. Experimental tests were conducted on polymer-based coatings to improve light absorption and minimize reflection. Results showed that panels with modified coatings exhibited a 12% increase in energy output compared to standard models. The findings demonstrate the potential of material innovation in advancing renewable energy technology.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding Word Limits: Adhere to the specified length guidelines.
• Including Unnecessary Details: Avoid adding minor or irrelevant information.
• Using Technical Jargon: Keep language accessible to a broad audience.
• Neglecting Results: Ensure the abstract highlights significant findings.
• Failing to Revise: Proofread carefully to eliminate errors and improve readability.

An abstract is a critical component of a research paper, summarizing its content in a concise and accessible way. Whether you are submitting your work to a journal, conference, or academic institution, following a clear structure and emphasizing clarity and precision will enhance the impact of your abstract. By adhering to best practices and learning from well-crafted examples, you can effectively communicate the essence of your research to a wider audience.

• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students . University of Michigan Press.
• Day, R. A., & Gastel, B. (2016). How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper . Cambridge University Press.
• Glasman-Deal, H. (2020). Science Research Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English . Imperial College Press.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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What is an abstract?

What is a "good" abstract, techniques to write an abstract, "abstract checklist" from: how to write a good scientific paper. chris a. mack. spie. 2018..

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There are as many kinds as abstracts as there are types of research papers.  The classic abstract is usually a "Informative" abstract. This kind of abstract communicates compressed information and include the purpose, methods, and scope of the article. They are usually short (250 words or less) and allow the reader to decide whether they want to read the article.

The goal is to communicate:

• What was done?
• Why was it done?
• How was it done?
• What was found?
• What is the significance of the findings?
• Self contained. Uses 1 or more well developed paragraphs
• Uses introduction/body/conclusion structure
• Presents purpose, results, conclusions and recommendations in that order
• Adds no new information
• Is understandable to a wide audience
• Write the abstract last
• Reread the article looking specifically for the main parts: Purpose, methods, scope, results, conclusions, and recommendations
• Write a first rough draft without looking at the original article
• Edit your draft by correcting organization, improving transitions, dropping unnecessary information and words, and adding important information you left out

The abstract should be a concise (200 words or less), standalone summary of the paper, with 1–2 sentences on each of these topics:

• Background: What issues led to this work? What is the environment that makes this work interesting or important?
• Aim: What were the goals of this work? What gap is being filled?
• Approach: What went into trying to achieve the aims (e.g., experimental method, simulation approach, theoretical approach, combinations of these, etc.)? What was actually done?
• Results: What were the main results of the study (including numbers, if appropriate)?
• Conclusions: What were the main conclusions? Why are the results important? Where will they lead?

The abstract should be written for the audience of this journal: do not assume too much or too little background with the topic.

Ensure that all of the information found in the abstract also can be found in the body of the paper.

Ensure that the important information of the paper is found in the abstract.

Avoid: using the first paragraph of the introduction as an abstract; citations in the abstract; acronyms (but if used, spell them out); referring to figures or tables from the body of the paper; use of the first person; use of words like “new” or “novel,” or phrases like “in this paper,” “we report,” or “will be discussed.” 

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Writing an abstract - a six point checklist (with samples)

Posted in: abstract , dissertations

The abstract is a vital part of any research paper. It is the shop front for your work, and the first stop for your reader. It should provide a clear and succinct summary of your study, and encourage your readers to read more. An effective abstract, therefore should answer the following questions:

• Why did you do this study or project?
• What did you do and how?
• What did you find?
• What do your findings mean?

So here's our run down of the key elements of a well-written abstract.

• Size - A succinct and well written abstract should be between approximately 100- 250 words.
• Background - An effective abstract usually includes some scene-setting information which might include what is already known about the subject, related to the paper in question (a few short sentences).
• Purpose  - The abstract should also set out the purpose of your research, in other words, what is not known about the subject and hence what the study intended to examine (or what the paper seeks to present).
• Methods - The methods section should contain enough information to enable the reader to understand what was done, and how. It should include brief details of the research design, sample size, duration of study, and so on.
• Results - The results section is the most important part of the abstract. This is because readers who skim an abstract do so to learn about the findings of the study. The results section should therefore contain as much detail about the findings as the journal word count permits.
• Conclusion - This section should contain the most important take-home message of the study, expressed in a few precisely worded sentences. Usually, the finding highlighted here relates to the primary outcomes of the study. However, other important or unexpected findings should also be mentioned. It is also customary, but not essential, to express an opinion about the theoretical or practical implications of the findings, or the importance of their findings for the field. Thus, the conclusions may contain three elements:
• The primary take-home message.
• Any additional findings of importance.
• Implications for future studies.

Example Abstract 2: Engineering Development and validation of a three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvic bone.

Abstract from: Dalstra, M., Huiskes, R. and Van Erning, L., 1995. Development and validation of a three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvic bone. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 117(3), pp.272-278.

And finally...  A word on abstract types and styles

Abstract types can differ according to subject discipline. You need to determine therefore which type of abstract you should include with your paper. Here are two of the most common types with examples.

Informative Abstract

The majority of abstracts are informative. While they still do not critique or evaluate a work, they do more than describe it. A good informative abstract acts as a surrogate for the work itself. That is, the researcher presents and explains all the main arguments and the important results and evidence in the paper. An informative abstract includes the information that can be found in a descriptive abstract [purpose, methods, scope] but it also includes the results and conclusions of the research and the recommendations of the author. The length varies according to discipline, but an informative abstract is usually no more than 300 words in length.

Descriptive Abstract A descriptive abstract indicates the type of information found in the work. It makes no judgements about the work, nor does it provide results or conclusions of the research. It does incorporate key words found in the text and may include the purpose, methods, and scope of the research. Essentially, the descriptive abstract only describes the work being summarised. Some researchers consider it an outline of the work, rather than a summary. Descriptive abstracts are usually very short, 100 words or less.

Adapted from Andrade C. How to write a good abstract for a scientific paper or conference presentation. Indian J Psychiatry. 2011 Apr;53(2):172-5. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.82558. PMID: 21772657; PMCID: PMC3136027 .

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How to Write an Abstract in Research Papers (with Examples)

An abstract in research papers is a keyword-rich summary usually not exceeding 200-350 words. It can be considered the “face” of research papers because it creates an initial impression on the readers. While searching databases (such as PubMed) for research papers, a title is usually the first selection criterion for readers. If the title matches their search criteria, then the readers read the abstract, which sets the tone of the paper. Titles and abstracts are often the only freely available parts of research papers on journal websites. The pdf versions of full articles need to be purchased. Journal reviewers are often provided with only the title and abstract before they agree to review the complete paper. [ 1]  

Abstracts in research papers provide readers with a quick insight into what the paper is about to help them decide whether they want to read it further or not. Abstracts are the main selling points of articles and therefore should be carefully drafted, accurately highlighting the important aspects. [ 2]  

This article will help you identify the important components and provide tips on how to write an abstract in research papers effectively

What is an Abstract?  

An abstract in research papers can be defined as a synopsis of the paper. It should be clear, direct, self-contained, specific, unbiased, and concise. These summaries are published along with the complete research paper and are also submitted to conferences for consideration for presentation.  

Abstracts are of four types and journals can follow any of these formats: [ 2]  

• Structured  
• Unstructured  
• Descriptive  
• Informative  

Structured abstracts are used by most journals because they are more organized and have clear sections, usually including introduction/background; objective; design, settings, and participants (or materials and methods); outcomes and measures; results; and conclusion. These headings may differ based on the journal or the type of paper. Clinical trial abstracts should include the essential items mentioned in the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) guidelines.  

Figure 1. Structured abstract example [3] 

Unstructured abstracts are common in social science, humanities, and physical science journals. They usually have one paragraph and no specific structure or subheadings. These abstracts are commonly used for research papers that don’t report original work and therefore have a more flexible and narrative style.  

Figure 2. Unstructured abstract example [3] 

Descriptive abstracts are short (75–150 words) and provide an outline with only the most important points of research papers. They are used for shorter articles such as case reports, reviews, and opinions where space is at a premium, and rarely for original investigations. These abstracts don’t present the results but mainly list the topics covered.  

Here’s a sample abstract . [ 4]  

“Design of a Radio-Based System for Distribution Automation”  

A new survey by the Maryland Public Utilities Commission suggests that utilities have not effectively explained to consumers the benefits of smart meters. The two-year study of 86,000 consumers concludes that the long-term benefits of smart meters will not be realized until consumers understand the benefits of shifting some of their power usage to off-peak hours in response to the data they receive from their meters. The study presents recommendations for utilities and municipal governments to improve customer understanding of how to use the smart meters effectively.  

Keywords: smart meters, distribution systems, load, customer attitudes, power consumption, utilities  

Informative abstracts (structured or unstructured) give a complete detailed summary, including the main results, of the research paper and may or may not have subsections.   

Figure 3. Informative abstract example [5] 

Purpose of Abstracts in Research    

Abstracts in research have two main purposes—selection and indexing. [ 6,7]  

• Selection : Abstracts allow interested readers to quickly decide the relevance of a paper to gauge if they should read it completely.   
• Indexing : Most academic journal databases accessed through libraries enable you to search abstracts, allowing for quick retrieval of relevant articles and avoiding unnecessary search results. Therefore, abstracts must necessarily include the keywords that researchers may use to search for articles.  

Thus, a well-written, keyword-rich abstract can p ique readers’ interest and curiosity and help them decide whether they want to read the complete paper. It can also direct readers to articles of potential clinical and research interest during an online search.  

Contents of Abstracts in Research  

Abstracts in research papers summarize the main points of an article and are broadly categorized into four or five sections. Here are some details on how to write an abstract .   

Introduction/Background and/or Objectives  

This section should provide the following information:  

• What is already known about the subject?  
• What is not known about the subject or what does the study aim to investigate?  

The hypothesis or research question and objectives should be mentioned here. The Background sets the context for the rest of the paper and its length should be short so that the word count could be saved for the Results or other information directly pertaining to the study. The objective should be written in present or past simple tense.  

Examples:  

The antidepressant efficacy of desvenlafaxine (DV) has been established in 8-week, randomized controlled trials. The present study examined the continued efficacy of DV across 6 months of maintenance treatment . [ 1]  

Objective: To describe gastric and breast cancer risk estimates for individuals with CDH1 variants.  

Design, Setting, and Participants (or Materials and Methods)  

This section should provide information on the processes used and should be written in past simple tense because the process is already completed.  

A few important questions to be answered include:  

• What was the research design and setting?  
• What was the sample size and how were the participants sampled?  
• What treatments did the participants receive?  
• What were the data collection and data analysis dates?  
• What was the primary outcome measure?  

Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated for each cancer type and used to calculate cumulative risks and risks per decade of life up to age 80 years.  

This section, written in either present or past simple tense, should be the longest and should describe the main findings of the study. Here’s an example of how descriptive the sentences should be:  

Avoid: Response rates differed significantly between diabetic and nondiabetic patients.  

Better: The response rate was higher in nondiabetic than in diabetic patients (49% vs 30%, respectively; P<0.01).  

This section should include the following information:  

• Total number of patients (included, excluded [exclusion criteria])  
• Primary and secondary outcomes, expressed in words, and supported by numerical data  
• Data on adverse outcomes  

Example: [ 8]  

In total, 10.9% of students were reported to have favorable study skills. The minimum score was found for preparation for examination domain. Also, a significantly positive correlation was observed between students’ study skills and their Grade Point Average (GPA) of previous term (P=0.001, r=0.269) and satisfaction with study skills (P=0.001, r=0.493).  

Conclusions  

Here, authors should mention the importance of their findings and also the practical and theoretical implications, which would benefit readers referring to this paper for their own research. Present simple tense should be used here.  

Examples: [ 1,8]  

The 9.3% prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders in students at an arts university is substantially higher than general population estimates. These findings strengthen the oft-expressed hypothesis linking creativity with affective psychopathology.  

The findings indicated that students’ study skills need to be improved. Given the significant relationship between study skills and GPA, as an index of academic achievement, and satisfaction, it is necessary to promote the students’ study skills. These skills are suggested to be reinforced, with more emphasis on weaker domains.  

When to Write an Abstract  

In addition to knowing how to write an abstract , you should also know when to write an abstract . It’s best to write abstracts once the paper is completed because this would make it easier for authors to extract relevant parts from every section.  

Abstracts are usually required for: [ 7]    

• submitting articles to journals  
• applying for research grants   
• writing book proposals  
• completing and submitting dissertations  
• submitting proposals for conference papers  

Mostly, the author of the entire work writes the abstract (the first author, in works with multiple authors). However, there are professional abstracting services that hire writers to draft abstracts of other people’s work.   

How to Write an Abstract (Step-by-Step Process)  

Here are some key steps on how to write an abstract in research papers: [ 9]  

• Write the abstract after you’ve finished writing your paper.  
• Select the major objectives/hypotheses and conclusions from your Introduction and Conclusion sections.  
• Select key sentences from your Methods section.  
• Identify the major results from the Results section.  
• Paraphrase or re-write the sentences selected in steps 2, 3, and 4 in your own words into one or two paragraphs in the following sequence: Introduction/Objective, Methods, Results, and Conclusions. The headings may differ among journals, but the content remains the same.  
• Ensure that this draft does not contain: a.   new information that is not present in the paper b.   undefined abbreviations c.   a discussion of previous literature or reference citations d.   unnecessary details about the methods used  
• Remove all extra information and connect your sentences to ensure that the information flows well, preferably in the following order: purpose; basic study design, methodology and techniques used; major findings; summary of your interpretations, conclusions, and implications. Use section headings for structured abstracts.  
• Ensure consistency between the information presented in the abstract and the paper.  
• Check to see if the final abstract meets the guidelines of the target journal (word limit, type of abstract, recommended subheadings, etc.) and if all the required information has been included.  

Choosing Keywords for Abstracts  

Keywords [ 2] are the important and repeatedly used words and phrases in research papers and can help indexers and search engines find papers relevant to your requirements. Easy retrieval would help in reaching a wider audience and eventually gain more citations. In the fields of medicine and health, keywords should preferably be chosen from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) list of the US National Library of Medicine because they are used for indexing. These keywords need to be different from the words in the main title (automatically used for indexing) but can be variants of the terms/phrases used in the title, abstract, and the main text. Keywords should represent the content of your manuscript and be specific to your subject area.  

Basic tips for authors [ 10,11]  

• Read through your paper and highlight key terms or phrases that are most relevant and frequently used in your field, to ensure familiarity.  
• Several journals provide instructions about the length (eg, 3 words in a keyword) and maximum number of keywords allowed and other related rules. Create a list of keywords based on these instructions and include specific phrases containing 2 to 4 words. A longer string of words would yield generic results irrelevant to your field.  
• Use abbreviations, acronyms, and initializations if these would be more familiar.  
• Search with your keywords to ensure the results fit with your article and assess how helpful they would be to readers.  
• Narrow down your keywords to about five to ten, to ensure accuracy.  
• Finalize your list based on the maximum number allowed.  

  Few examples: [ 12]  

Important Tips for Writing an Abstract  

Here are a few tips on how to write an abstract to ensure that your abstract is complete, concise, and accurate. [ 1,2]  

• Write the abstract last.  
• Follow journal-specific formatting guidelines or Instructions to Authors strictly to ensure acceptance for publication.  
• Proofread the final draft meticulously to avoid grammatical or typographical errors.  
• Ensure that the terms or data mentioned in the abstract are consistent with the main text.  
• Include appropriate keywords at the end.

Do not include:  

• New information  
• Text citations to references  
• Citations to tables and figures  
• Generic statements  
• Abbreviations unless necessary, like a trial or study name  

Key Takeaways    

Here’s a quick snapshot of all the important aspects of how to write an abstract . [2]

• An abstract in research is a summary of the paper and describes only the main aspects. Typically, abstracts are about 200-350 words long.  
• Abstracts are of four types—structured, unstructured, descriptive, and informative.  
• Abstracts should be simple, clear, concise, independent, and unbiased (present both favorable and adverse outcomes).  
• They should adhere to the prescribed journal format, including word limits, section headings, number of keywords, fonts used, etc.  
• The terminology should be consistent with the main text.   
• Although the section heading names may differ for journals, every abstract should include a background and objective, analysis methods, primary results, and conclusions.  
• Nonstandard abbreviations, references, and URLs shouldn’t be included.  
• Only relevant and specific keywords should be used to ensure focused searches and higher citation frequency.  
• Abstracts should be written last after completing the main paper.  

Frequently Asked Questions   

Q1. Do all journals have different guidelines for abstracts?  

A1. Yes, all journals have their own specific guidelines for writing abstracts; a few examples are given in the following table. [ 6,13,14,15]  

Q2. What are the common mistakes to avoid when writing an abstract?  

A2. Listed below are a few mistakes that authors may make inadvertently while writing abstracts.  

• Copying sentences from the paper verbatim  

An abstract is a summary, which should be created by paraphrasing your own work or writing in your own words. Extracting sentences from every section and combining them into one paragraph cannot be considered summarizing.  

• Not adhering to the formatting guidelines  

Journals have special instructions for writing abstracts, such as word limits and section headings. These should be followed strictly to avoid rejections.  

• Not including the right amount of details in every section  

Both too little and too much information could discourage readers. For instance, if the Background has very little information, the readers may not get sufficient context to appreciate your research. Similarly, incomplete information in the Methods and a text-heavy Results section without supporting numerical data may affect the credibility of your research.  

• Including citations, standard abbreviations, and detailed measurements  

Typically, abstracts shouldn’t include these elements—citations, URLs, and abbreviations. Only nonstandard abbreviations are allowed or those that would be more familiar to readers than the expansions.  

• Including new information  

Abstracts should strictly include only the same information mentioned in the main text. Any new information should first be added to the text and then to the abstract only if necessary or if permitted by the word limit.  

• Not including keywords  

Keywords are essential for indexing and searching and should be included to increase the frequency of retrieval and citation.  

Q3. What is the difference between abstracts in research papers and conference abstracts? [16]  

A3. The table summarizes the main differences between research and conference abstracts.  

  Thus, abstracts are essential “trailers” that can market your research to a wide audience. The better and more complete the abstract the more are the chances of your paper being read and cited. By following our checklist and ensuring that all key elements are included, you can create a well-structured abstract that summarizes your paper accurately.  

References  

• Andrade C. How to write a good abstract for a scientific paper or conference presentation. Indian J Psychiatry . 2011; 53(2):172-175. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136027/  
• Tullu MS. Writing the title and abstract for a research paper: Being concise, precise, and meticulous is the key. 2019; 13(Suppl 1): S12-S17. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6398294/  
• Zawia J. Writing an Academic Paper? Get to know Abstracts vs. Structured Abstracts. Medium. Published October 16, 2023. Accessed June 16, 2024. https://medium.com/@jamala.zawia/writing-an-academic-paper-get-to-know-abstracts-vs-structured-abstracts-11ed86888367  
• Markel M and Selber S. Technical Communication, 12 th edition. 2018; pp. 482. Bedford/St Martin’s.  
• Abstracts. Arkansas State University. Accessed June 17, 2024. https://www.astate.edu/a/global-initiatives/online/a-state-online-services/online-writing-center/resources/How%20to%20Write%20an%20Abstract1.pdf  
• AMA Manual of Style. 11 th edition. Oxford University Press.  
• Writing an Abstract. The University of Melbourne. Accessed June 16, 2024. https://services.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/471274/Writing_an_Abstract_Update_051112.pdf  
• 10 Good Abstract Examples that will Kickstart Your Brain. Kibin Essay Writing Blog. Published April 5, 2017. Accessed June 17, 2024. https://www.kibin.com/essay-writing-blog/10-good-abstract-examples/  
• A 10-step guide to make your research paper abstract more effective. Editage Insights. Published October 16, 2013. Accessed June 17, 2024. https://www.editage.com/insights/a-10-step-guide-to-make-your-research-paper-abstract-more-effective  
• Using keywords to write your title and abstract. Taylor & Francis Author Services. Accessed June 15, 2024. https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/writing-your-paper/using-keywords-to-write-title-and-abstract/  
• How to choose and use keywords in research papers. Paperpal by Editage blog. Published March 10, 2023. Accessed June 17, 2024. https://paperpal.com/blog/researcher-resources/phd-pointers/how-to-choose-and-use-keywords-in-research-papers  
• Title, abstract and keywords. Springer. Accessed June 16, 2024. https://www.springer.com/it/authors-editors/authorandreviewertutorials/writing-a-journal-manuscript/title-abstract-and-keywords/10285522  
• Abstract and keywords guide. APA Style, 7 th edition. Accessed June 18, 2024. https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/abstract-keywords-guide.pdf  
• Abstract guidelines. American Society for Microbiology. Accessed June 18, 2024. https://asm.org/events/asm-microbe/present/abstract-guidelines  
• Guidelines for conference abstracts. The Lancet. Accessed June 16, 2024. https://www.thelancet.com/pb/assets/raw/Lancet/pdfs/Abstract_Guidelines_2013.pdf  
• Is a conference abstract the same as a paper abstract? Global Conference Alliance, Inc. Accessed June 18, 2024. https://globalconference.ca/is-a-conference-abstract-the-same-as-a-paper-abstract/  

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Research Paper Writing Guides

Research Paper Abstract

Last updated on: Dec 5, 2024

Learn How To Write An Abstract For A Research Paper with Examples and Tips

By: Donna C.

17 min read

Reviewed By: Caleb S.

Published on: Jan 3, 2024

Ever had trouble making a short and interesting summary of your important research? You're not the only one!

Making a good summary, called an abstract, is tricky for many researchers.

Think of your abstract as the spotlight on your research paper —it's super important. It helps grab the interest of people reading your work and other researchers. 

If your abstract isn't engaging, your hard work might get lost in the sea of academic papers.

But don’t worry!

In this guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of creating an outstanding abstract. We will show you some examples of engaging abstracts and give you helpful tips. 

Let’s start writing!

On this Page

What is an Abstract in a Paper?

An abstract is a concise summary of a research paper, article, or academic document. It provides readers with a quick overview of the main points,  summarizing the key aspects of your work, including:

• Purpose of the study
• Methods used
• Key findings
• Significance or implications

The abstract is positioned at the beginning of the document, it helps readers decide whether to dig into the full paper.

Importance of Abstract in Research

Abstract in research plays an important role for several reasons:

• First Impression: It’s the first thing readers see, setting the tone for your work.
• Searchability: Abstracts improve discoverability in databases and search engines.
• Decision-Making: Editors and reviewers rely on abstracts to decide on publication or presentation.

How Long Should An Abstract Be?  

An abstract should typically be 150 to 250 words , depending on the guidelines provided by the institution, journal, or conference. Here are some general pointers:

• Shorter Abstracts (150-200 words): Often used for journal articles, conference papers, and essays where space is limited.
• Longer Abstracts (200-250 words): Common for theses, dissertations, and detailed research papers requiring more depth.

Always check specific submission requirements, as some journals or academic institutions may have stricter limits.

When To Write An Abstract?

It’s best to write your abstract after completing your research paper or study. While the abstract appears first, it summarizes the entire paper, not just the topic. 

Writing it last ensures it aligns perfectly with your topic. For topic ideas, check out our research paper topics blog.

Contents of an Abstract

Writing a good abstract includes combining all essential elements of research to present a comprehensive overview of the study, including:

• Context: Introduce your research topic, providing a brief background to set the scene.
• Central Questions: Clearly state the main questions or the research problem .
• Previous Research: Summarize existing knowledge related to your research question.
• Rationale and Goals: Explain the reasons, goals, and importance of your study.
• Methods: Provide a concise overview of your research and analytical methods.
• Findings: Briefly summarize the main results, findings, or arguments of your study.
• Implications: Discuss the broader significance or implications of your research.

How To Write An Abstract For A Research Paper

A good abstract doesn't just quickly summarize your research; it also entices readers to explore your work further. 

Let's go through the steps of writing a simple and clear abstract for a research paper.

Step 1: Clarify Purpose and Scope

Before you start writing your abstract, take some time to really understand what your research is all about. 

Here's how:

1. Identify Your Goal

• Think about why you did this research.
• What were you trying to find out or prove? 

2. Know Your Scope

• Figure out how big or small your study is. 
• What did you focus on, and what did you leave out? 

3. Define Key Components

• Break down your research into parts. 
• What's the main question you're answering? 
• What sections of your paper are the most important? 

Step 2: Study Existing Abstracts

Now that you know what your research is about, it's time to see how other researchers have written about similar topics.

Look for research papers similar to yours. Read their abstracts carefully. This will give you an idea of how others structure their summaries and the language they use.

Pay attention to how these abstracts are organized. Notice if they start with the research question, describe methods, or jump straight to findings. Understanding this structure will help you plan your own abstract.

Step 3: Identify Key Sections

The next step in abstract writing is to break down your own research paper into key sections. 

For that, divide your paper. Common sections include Introduction , Methods , Results , and Conclusion . Identify what each section talks about.

Then, pick out the most important information from each section. What details are essential for someone to understand your research? These will be the key components of your abstract.

The last step is to focus on the main points in each section. Ask yourself; 

• What is the main question or problem in the Introduction? 
• What methods did you use? 
• What are the key findings? 

This step helps you know what to include in your abstract.

Step 4: Craft a Concise Introduction

In writing a concise and engaging introduction for your abstract, start by providing a brief background or context about your research. Imagine explaining your study to someone unfamiliar with the topic, offering a quick summary of what it's all about. 

Following this, clearly state the main question, maintaining clarity. 

Finally, highlight the importance of your research by emphasizing its significance. Explain why your research question is important and show how it matters. 

This introduction paragraph of your abstract sets the tone, giving a snapshot of what your research is about and making people want to learn more.

Step 5: Describe Research Methods

Now, dive into explaining the methods you used in your research - how you did it. 

• Provide a Brief Overview:

Offer a short explanation of how you conducted your study. What methods did you use to gather information? Keep it simple but informative.

• Include Study Design:

Mention the design of your study. Was it an experiment, survey, or observation? This helps readers understand the structure of your research.

• Highlight Key Components:

Identify the essential components of your methods. Mention details like participant demographics, materials used, or any unique approaches you took.

Step 6: Summarize Key Findings

In this step, Provide a brief summary of the key outcomes of your study. Focus on the most critical results that directly relate to your research question. 

• What did you discover or find in the course of your research?
• How do the results compare to existing theories or previous research?
• What do the results imply? 
• Why are they important in the context of your research?
• Did your research raise any new questions that need further exploration?

Step 7: Address Implications or Conclusions

In this last step of writing an abstract, summarize the broader implications of your findings. Discuss why your findings matter and explore any practical applications of your research.

Make sure to address the following questions:

• How do your results impact the larger context of your research area?
• What contributions do they make to the field, and why should people care about your research?
• How could your findings be applied in real-world situations?

By following these steps, you can effectively create a detailed and well-structured abstract for your research paper.

Writing An Abstract For A Research Paper - Examples

Crafting an effective abstract is an art that requires a balance of clarity and conciseness.

In this section, we'll walk through examples to illustrate how to write an abstract for a research paper successfully. 

Social Sciences Abstract:

Support Of Workplace Diversity Policies: The Role Of Race, Gender, And Beliefs About Inequality

William J. Scarborough, Danny Lambouths, Allyson L. Holbrook, Support of workplace diversity policies: The role of race, gender, and beliefs about inequality, Social Science Research, Volume 79, 2019, Pages 194-210, ISSN 0049-089X.

Humanities Abstract:

Wondering how to write an abstract for a research paper humanities? Don't worry, we have an example for you, check it out!

The Effects Of War On Ukrainian Research

de Rassenfosse, G., Murovana, T. & Uhlbach, WH. The effects of war on Ukrainian research. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 10, 856 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-02346-x

Sciences Abstract:

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) As An Anti-Aging Health Product – Promises And Safety Concerns

Harshani Nadeeshani, Jinyao Li, Tianlei Ying, Baohong Zhang, Jun Lu, Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as an anti-aging health product – Promises and safety concerns, Journal of Advanced Research, Volume 37, 2022, Pages 267-278, ISSN 2090-1232.

Here are some more abstract writing examples for your better understanding: 

Abstract For A Research Paper Pdf

Abstract For A Research Paper Proposal

Abstract For A Research Paper Sample Pdf

Abstract For A Research Paper APA Format

Abstract For A Research Paper Example Pdf

Abstract For A Research Paper MLA

Effective Abstract For A Research Paper Pdf

IMRaD Abstract Example

What Not to Include in an Abstract?

When writing an abstract, keep it simple and to the point. Here’s what you should avoid:

• Catchy phrases or quotes : Don't try to grab attention with a catchy line or quote.
• Long background info : Skip the detailed context or history of your topic.
• Repetition and unnecessary words : Keep it concise—don’t repeat yourself or use extra adjectives.
• Acronyms or abbreviations : Avoid using short forms that might confuse the reader.
• References to other studies : Don’t mention other research or cite other works.
• Incomplete sentences : Make sure all sentences are complete and clear.
• Jargon : Use simple language; avoid terms that might confuse readers.
• Figures or images : Don’t include tables, figures, or any other visuals.

An abstract should be a straightforward summary, so leave out anything that isn’t absolutely necessary!

Abstract Checklist

Ensure your research paper abstract is comprehensive and impactful with this checklist:

Wrapping up, this blog helps researchers learn how to write great research paper abstracts. With step-by-step process and useful tips, you have the guidance to create captivating abstracts that grab attention.

But if somehow things still don’t go your way, don’t worry! 

At SharkPapers.com, our experts are available 24/7 to help you tackle any research paper writing challenges. Whether you need help with crafting a compelling thesis, structuring your paper, or citing sources correctly, our writing center provides the support you need. 

When you pay for research paper at our service you get guaranteed support, and high-quality papers at the most affordable rates.

So, without wasting any time, order your abstract from the best paper writing service online !

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any formatting requirements for abstract.

Specific formatting requirements may vary by academic or publication guidelines, but common elements include concise language, clear organization, and adherence to word limits.

How many types of abstracts are there?

There are two main types of abstracts: 

• Descriptive abstracts provide a summary of the main points of a work without revealing the conclusions.
• Informative abstracts include key findings, methods, and conclusions, offering a more detailed overview of the work.

What is abstract vs. introduction?

The abstract is a concise summary of the entire paper, covering the purpose, methods, findings, and significance in 150-250 words. It gives readers a quick overview to decide if the paper is relevant to their interests.

The introduction , on the other hand, provides detailed background information, defines the research problem, and outlines the paper’s scope and objectives. Unlike the abstract, it doesn’t include results or conclusions but sets the stage for the study.

Donna writes on a broad range of topics, but she is mostly passionate about social issues, current events, and human-interest stories. She has received high praise for her writing from both colleagues and readers alike. Donna is known in her field for creating content that is not only professional but also captivating.

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